The Meghalaya High Court has directed the State government and all parties to maintain status quo in respect of Sweeper Colony at Them Ïew Mawlong here.
The order was passed by Justice Ranjit More today on a writ petition filed by Harijan Panchayat Committee.
The Harijan Panchayat Committee filed the petition challenging the move by the High Level Committee (HLC) of the State government to relocate residents of Sweeper Colony from the area.
“Stand over to 25-05-2021. Till returnable date, by way of ad-interim relief, I direct that both the parties shall maintain status quo as of today in respect of Sweeper Colony/Punjabi Lane/Harijan Colony at Bara Bazar,” Justice Ranjit More said in his order.
During arguments in the High Court, R Khatri, lawyer for the Harijan Panchayat Committee contended that by virtue of Notification dated June 4, 2018, the Meghalaya government had constituted a High Level Committee under the chairmanship of the Deputy Chief Minister for the purpose of examination of all relevant records and documents relating to relocation of the Sweeper Colony at Them Ïew Mawlong.
Khatri also said that the High Level Committee was also directed to recommend practically feasible solutions for relocation of the said Sweeper Colony.
He also stated that the High Level Committee held several meetings and had taken various decisions and in pursuant of these decisions, the residents of Sweeper Colony are apprehending eviction.
The lawyer in this regard relied upon the documents at page 114, page 140 and page 122.
“Having gone through these documents, I am of the prima facie opinion that the apprehension of the petitioner members is justified,” Justice More observed.
The Harijan Panchayat Committee stated that the residents of Sweeper Colony were given land to stay at the colony by virtue of an agreement executed in the year 1954 with the Syiem of Mylliem and Shillong Municipal Board.
